Rio Carnival Masterclass 2025

This is the Rio Carnival Masterclass originally created for the 2025 parade season — and its content remains just as relevant today.

In this course, we go far beyond that year’s themes, using the 2025 samba plots as a gateway to dive into the rich cultural fabric of Brazil. Throughout the lessons, we explore the African heritage that shapes Brazilian identity, the evolution of samba and the structure of the samba schools, as well as broader elements of Brazilian music, history, and Carnival traditions. It’s a deep, timeless exploration of the forces behind the world’s greatest street celebration.

Course Structure: Your Ultimate Guide to Carnival 2025 in Rio de Janeiro

Lesson 1: The Anatomy of a Samba School Parade

In the first lesson, we’ll unravel the complex and mesmerizing structure of a samba school parade. You will learn about the key components that make up these parades—the Front Committee, the Mestre-salas and Flag Bearers, the floats, the role of the bateria, and the various wings of dancers. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid foundation to understand the artistry and organization behind each school’s presentation.

Lesson 2: Themes of the First Day Samba Schools

The second lesson dives into the themes of the samba schools performing on the first day of the parade: Unidos de Padre Miguel, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Unidos do Viradouro, and Estação Primeira de Mangueira.

Lesson 3: Themes of the Second Day Samba Schools

The third lesson continues with an exploration of the themes presented by the samba schools on the second day of the parade: Unidos da Tijuca, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, and Unidos de Vila Isabel.

Lesson 4: Themes of the Third Day Samba Schools

In the final lesson, we’ll turn our attention to the samba schools performing on the third day of the parade: Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Paraíso do Tuiuti, Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, and Portela.